The best cure for fear is love, no doubt.
This is especially factual in the animal world where thousands of four-legged creatures are faced with their biggest fears on a daily basis.
Abandonment, predators, passing cars, the threat of abuse… there’s no fear that cannot be treated with a loving approach.
Van Buren knows this best.
Roaming the streets of California as a skittish months-old puppy, he could never have imagined replacing fear with love. But, it happened!
From Daily Visits To A Temporary Home
One day, Van Buren’s life changed completely in a good way. He was roaming the street he was named after when Mary, a local horse vet from California, spotted him.
As an experienced vet, Mary immediately recognized Van Buren’s urge to be saved. Although he couldn’t speak, his eyes were practically begging for help. But, there was one slight problem – he was just too skittish to be saved!
Mary didn’t lose hope. She spent days visiting him on her daily routes and providing him with food. Eventually, Van Buren warmed up to her. Little by little, the two started interacting until the dog let Mary pet him for the first time.
A few days later, he even allowed Mary to put a leash on him.
The next step toward Van Buren’s full recovery was building trust. Instead of taking him to a shelter, Mary brought this pup to her horse ranch and it turned out to be the best idea ever!
Today, Van Buren is a lovely, confident dog!
“She has had him for over a month and has worked with him every day and he’s a lovely dog. He is now vaccinated and neutered. We think approximately 6 months. Sort of a lab mix. He’s about 50lbs,” says Van Buren’s Petfinder profile.
Van Buren Is Looking For A Home
In no time, this cute canine learned socialization and obedience. He’s made friends with other dogs, and even other animals. And, he’s just head over heels for people!
Van Buren loves both adults and kids and would make the perfect companion in every family.
“He’s good with people and other dogs. He’s really a nice dog and would make a great pet for someone looking for a large dog,” his profile reads.
For now, he will be staying with Mary, enjoying her spacious ranch and soaking up the beauty of nature. After all he had been through, Van Buren could not be happier. He finally feels safe and loved and is ready to reciprocate!
However, what he truly needs is a family and a permanent home. Mary truly hopes that Van Buren’s adopters are near and ready to give this sweet pup a lifetime of happiness.
He surely doesn’t deserve to be abandoned or kicked out on the streets again. He needs love because he is love!